South Hill Cider is a cidery, in Ithaca, near the Finger Lakes was founded in 2013 by cider maker and orchardist Steve Selin, The 26-acre property features 10 acres of apple trees. They are one of my favorite New York State cider producers. Their Golden Hour and Cuvée Brut are among my favorites. And Packbasket!
Pommeau is a sweet, fortified alcoholic drink that originated in northwestern France. It is made by blending fresh, unfermented apple juice with young apple brandy, much like Portuguese Jeropiga.
Generally speaking, Pommeau producers mix aproximately two-thirds fresh apple juice with one-third young apple brandy. In many cases they use Calvados in Normandy or lambig in Brittany.The addition of the high-proof spirit stops the juice from fermenting, and locks in natural fruit sugars. The mixture then rests in oak barrels for 14 to 30 months or longer to build depth, color, and smooth vanilla and caramel notes. Typically these wines are roughly the same level of alcohol as ports - somewhere between 16% and 18%. This wine is best served well-chilled or at cool cellar temperature.
South Hill Cider Pommeau is rich and sweet with notes of green and baked red apple, a hint of fresh pear, and notes of apricot and honey blossom. The acidity is usually pretty high, which balances well with the sweetness, making it a complex and tantalizing wine (and not a sickening sweet lollipop). Lovely notes of oak, toasted nuts, caramel, and vanilla make it an absolute winner. I've tasted many an American Pommeau... this is among the best. Perfect with an after dinner cheese plate that includes dates and figs and apple and creamy cheeses or blue cheeses. It's also a great drink to share on a romantic evening in front of fire. South Hill Cider is a delicious and sophisticated dessert!
